Saleshandos clash on Zambian trip
Former legislator Gilson Saleshando has disapproved of Dumelang Saleshando to travel with President Mokgweetsi Masisi to the inauguration of President of Zambia Hakainde Hichelema, urging that such gestures confuse the voters.
Saleshando Jnr, who is the Leader of Opposition (LOO) in parliament, in a rare political moment, had to board OK 1 with President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi to travel abroad. In the company of former President Festus Mogae and Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr. Lemogang Kwape, Saleshando joined the delegation after receiving an invitation from the Office of the President, a communiqué from Umbrella for Democratic Change stated.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”1,2,3″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]While the development has been hailed by observes as a sign of political maturity by President Masisi for extending the invitation, and Saleshando Jnr, for accepting it, the senior Saleshando does not see it that way. Gilson, a two-term legislator for Selebi Phikwe West and former leader of Botswana Congress Party (BCP), said Dumelang informed him about the trip, but he did not endorse it.
“He told me about the trip to Zambia. He explained that they are fraternal friends with the United Party for National Development (UPND), which won there. But I did not know he will be travelling with the BDP members. That one is a blunder for me because it confuses voters,” he explained.
Nonetheless, the outspoken former legislator, a head-honcho in recognition of the Wayei tribe in Ntlo Ya Dikgosi, said his son could have used the trip for better. “If I were him going, there was also an opportunity. I would have asked for a podium to address the Zambians and SADC community in general, or at least call a press conference and tell them about rampant corruption in Botswana and the state of affairs locally,” he said.
According to the Saleshando Snr, that would have been enough heads up for a clueless lot to know about the current happenings in Botswana. The state of affairs in this country, according to Gilson Saleshando, is similar to that of Zambia under the leadership of the dethroned President Edgar Lungu.
Dumelang, upon return from Zambia, could not entertain questions from this publication about the trip, saying, “UDC will release a statement.” When approving the trip, UDC said, “this occasion allows the UDC to network with leaders of other parties in the region that will also grace the occasion.”
Political observers concur with Gilson that opposition parties invited for the inauguration could have called a media conference to share the state of affairs from the respective countries. Political scholars argue that a win by the opposition in Zambia, though it is not a flash in the pan thing, could spill to other SADC countries.
Gilson, a strong critic of Masisi’s regime, initially had a cordial brotherly relationship with the latter. But all that broke down when Masisi started showing symptoms identical to other African leaders, especially corruption, he has said. “Many things happened, and we are no longer in talking terms, but we used to be very close,” he said before chronicling events as they happened over time.
Cracks in the relationship began to show in 2018 when Saleshando declined Masisi’s overture to be part of the entourage that will travel to Zambia, where Masisi was to officiate at an agricultural show. He said he refused the Zambian trip because it was a waste of taxpayers’ money for an event that would not benefit the citizenry.
Since then, Masisi never talked to Saleshando as it was the norm; and the latter also decided not to; “because he realized that he was a wolf in a sheep’s skin.” “It appears since he became President his wealth accumulation is ballooning, and that to me is very concerning, and I decided to be distant. From where I stand, he is sleeping and eating corruption just like other African leaders,” said the two-term legislator.
From Saleshando’s senior perspective, Masisi is not walking the talk on the motto of ‘zero tolerance for corruption,’ which was his election catchphrase. With all these, Saleshando distrusts Masisi’s presidency to the extent that he believes his predecessor Lt Gen Ian Khama fared better than him.
“Comparatively, Khama was better; Masisi is more like other African leaders. He is very close to them, and even if things are not going in the right direction, he cannot speak against them. Khama was outspoken; he would reprimand and air his opinions, especially when human rights were violated. But Masisi is eating with those that violate humanity,” he said.
A case in point is violence against civilians by Zimbabwean police and soldiers early last year, which was supposed to be strongly condemned by the government of Botswana led by Masisi, Saleshando Snr posited.[/ihc-hide-content]
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Nigerians, Zimbabweans apply for Chema Chema Fund
Fronting activities, where locals are used as a front for foreign-owned businesses, have been a long-standing issue in Botswana. These activities not only undermine the government’s efforts to promote local businesses but also deprive Batswana of opportunities for economic empowerment, officials say. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has warned of heavy penalties for those involved in fronting activities especially in relation to the latest popular government initiative dubbed Chema Chema.
According to the Ministry, the Industrial Development Act of 2019 clearly outlines the consequences of engaging in fronting activities. The fines of up to P50,000 for first-time offenders and P20,000 plus a two-year jail term for repeat offenders send a strong message that the government is serious about cracking down on this illegal practice. These penalties are meant to deter individuals from participating in fronting activities and to protect the integrity of local industries.
“It is disheartening to hear reports of collaboration between foreigners and locals to exploit government initiatives such as the Chema Chema Fund. This fund, administered by CEDA and LEA, is meant to support informal traders and low-income earners in Botswana. However, when fronting activities come into play, the intended beneficiaries are sidelined, and the funds are misused for personal gain.” It has been discovered that foreign nationals predominantly of Zimbabwean and Nigerian origin use unsuspecting Batswana to attempt to access the Chema Chema Fund. It is understood that they approach these Batswana under the guise of drafting business plans for them or simply coming up with ‘bankable business ideas that qualify for Chema Chema.’
Observers say the Chema Chema Fund has the potential to uplift the lives of many Batswana who are struggling to make ends meet. They argue that it is crucial that these funds are used for their intended purpose and not siphoned off through illegal activities such as fronting. The Ministry says the warning it issued serves as a reminder to all stakeholders involved in the administration of these funds to ensure transparency and accountability in their disbursement.
One local commentator said it is important to highlight the impact of fronting activities on the local economy and the livelihoods of Batswana. He said by using locals as a front for foreign-owned businesses, opportunities for local entrepreneurs are stifled, and the economic empowerment of Batswana is hindered. The Ministry’s warning of heavy penalties is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to eliminate fronting activities and promote a level playing field for local businesses.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s warning of heavy penalties for fronting activities is a necessary step to protect the integrity of local industries and promote economic empowerment for Batswana. “It is imperative that all stakeholders comply with regulations and work towards a transparent and accountable business environment. By upholding the law and cracking down on illegal activities, we can ensure a fair and prosperous future for all Batswana.”
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Merck Foundation and African First Ladies mark World Health Day 2024
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks “World Health Day” 2024 together with Africa’s First Ladies who are also Ambassadors of MerckFoundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign through their Scholarship and Capacity Building Program. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Health Day every single day of the year over the past 12 years, by building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care across Africa, Asia and beyond.
I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided over 1740 scholarships to aspiring young doctors from 52 countries, in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Child Health, Obesity & Weight Management, Women’s Health, Biotechnology in ART and many more”.
As per the available data, Africa has only 34.6% of the required doctors, nurses, and midwives. It is projected that by 2030, Africa would need additional 6.1 million doctors, nurses, and midwives*. “For Example, before the start of the Merck Foundation programs in 2012; there was not a single Oncologist, Fertility or Reproductive care specialists, Diabetologist, Respiratory or ICU specialist in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia among others. We are certainly creating historic legacy in Africa, and also beyond. Together with our partners like Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Gender, Education and Communication, we are impacting the lives of people in the most disadvantaged communities in Africa and beyond.”, added Senator Dr. Kelej. Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African First Ladies and local partners such as; Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities. “I strongly believe that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is the right strategy to improve access to equitable and quality at health care in Africa.
Therefore, I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for 2024 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors for our online one-year diploma and two year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both Online Diploma programs and On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country.” shared Dr . Kelej. “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program”, concluded Senator Kelej.
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Interpol fugitive escapes from Botswana
John Isaak Ndovi, a Tanzanian national embroiled in controversy and pursued under a red notice by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), has mysteriously vanished, bypassing a scheduled bail hearing at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court in Gaborone. Previously apprehended by Botswana law enforcement at the Tlokweng border post several months earlier, his escape has ignited serious concerns.
Accused of pilfering assets worth in excess of P1 million, an amount translating to roughly 30,000 Omani Riyals, Ndovi has become a figure of paramount interest, especially to the authorities in the Sultanate of Oman, nestled in the far reaches of Asia.
The unsettling news of his disappearance surfaced following his failure to present himself at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court the preceding week. Speculation abounds that Ndovi may have sought refuge in South Africa in a bid to elude capture, prompting a widespread mobilization of law enforcement agencies to ascertain his current location.
In an official communiqué, Detective Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Selebatso Mokgosi of Interpol Gaborone disclosed Ndovi’s apprehension last September at the Tlokweng border, a capture made possible through the vigilant issuance of the Interpol red notice.
At 36, Ndovi is implicated in a case of alleged home invasion in Oman. Despite the non-existence of an extradition treaty between Botswana and Oman, Nomsa Moatswi, the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), emphasized that the lack of formal extradition agreements does not hinder her office’s ability to entertain extradition requests. She highlighted the adoption of international cooperation norms, advocating for collaboration through the lenses of international comity and reciprocity.
Moatswi disclosed the intensified effort by law enforcement to locate Ndovi following his no-show in court, and pointed to Botswana’s track record of extraditing two international fugitives from France and Zimbabwe in the previous year as evidence of the country’s relentless pursuit of legal integrity.
When probed about the potential implications of Ndovi’s case on Botswana’s forthcoming evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Moatswi reserved her speculations. She acknowledged the criticality of steering clear of blacklisting, suggesting that this singular case is unlikely to feature prominently in the FATF’s assessment criteria.